The city of Auburn has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $1 million from the Transportation Improvement Board for use on two high-impact projects in Auburn.

A $450,000 grant has been awarded for the M Street Southeast sidewalk improvement project, from Auburn Way South to 8th Street SE. The project will complete gaps in the sidewalk system along both sides of M Street SE between Auburn Way South and 12th Street SE and will construct a new sidewalk on the west side of M Street SE from 12th Street SE to 8th Street SE. This will remove many barriers to accessibility along this corridor and connect new sidewalks to existing sidewalks at either end of the project area. The total project cost is estimated at $674,542.

A $590,253 grant was also awarded to the city for the 2nd Street SE reconstruction project from Auburn Way South to A Street SE. The project includes the reconstruction of the pavement and improvements which will enhance access and safety for all roadway users, including relocation or removal of existing fixed objects, LED street lighting upgrades, removal of barriers to non-motorized users and sidewalk accessibility improvements. The total project cost is estimated at $983,755.

“Preserving the quality of our roads and transportation systems through Auburn is a top goal of the city, but an increasingly difficult one given the high costs associated with these types of projects,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “I am immensely grateful for the work of our Public Works staff in seeking and securing grants such as this that help ensure that this important work can continue to move forward.”

Design for both projects is set to begin in the spring of 2020, with construction anticipated to begin in spring of 2021.